Mgr, Field Testing

About Us

As a family-owned company, it’s the people who continue to make STIHL a successful, world-class brand.  Since revolutionizing the forestry industry in Germany with the first electric chainsaw in 1926, the STIHL name has remained synonymous with outstanding innovations, high-quality products and comprehensive service. 

We are seeking a Manager of Field Testing to join the team. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits and exciting growth potential, it is a great time to join the STIHL team! 

Why You’ll Love Working at STIHL: 

• Competitive pay with multiple bonus opportunities and potential for annual merit increases 
• Excellent health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center for employees and eligible family members 
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Short & Long-Term Disability 
• Robust retirement offerings including: 
• A fully vested Pension Plan after 5 years 
• A 401(k) with generous employer match 
• Paid time off including  11 Paid Holidays 
• A strong culture of stability, community, and innovation

About You

You will be responsible for oversight and execution of product field tests in North America for the STIHL Group. Work with team members to design, plan, and execute all US testing activities in support of STIHL research and development.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage testing staff.  Maintain oversight of projects to ensure quality and timeliness of results.  Includes employee development, performance reviews, setting and monitoring employee goals, identifying employee training opportunities and needs and ensuring employees follow company policies and standards.
• Manage field test projects.  Work alongside team members.  Plan and execute projects.
• Oversee project schedules and results of all field-testing operations ensuring project completion within the given timelines and budgets.
• Manage field testing team workload and resource planning.  Engage with research and development teams regarding future project and testing plans.  Provide necessary reporting on project timelines and budgets.
• Communicate regularly and proactively with research and development engineers regarding field testing activities. Ensure accurate and timely field test data is being supplied by field testing personnel.
• Communicate regularly with other managers in the Product Management & After Sales Department providing information regarding technical or market acceptance issues with field test products that would influence the market release or customer acceptance of the products.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Specifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineer or related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• 5+ years of technical experience in the power equipment industry.
• Advanced understanding of the repair, operation, and troubleshooting of small 2-cycle and 4-cycle internal combustion engines, battery and electric powered power equipment is required.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Basic German proficiency preferred.

Work Experience:  5-7 years

Travel Requirements: Up to 25%